What do you think?
Rate this book
The Start with Your People: The Daily Decision that Changes Everything
Finally, you can love your work and wake up each day with clarity of purpose. All it takes is one decision, to Start with Your People. In this life-changing book, Dr. Brian Dixon shows you how to unlock the door to purpose and profit by embracing a people-first mindset.
242 pages, Paperback
First published September 10, 2019
71 people are currently reading
528 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
January 4, 2021
One of the best business books I’ve read in a long time!! Brian is so real and transparent with his advice. And this book is PACKED with practical take aways. So so good 🙌😍
April 9, 2019
Start with Your People is a vital book to have on your shelf if you are a business person in any capacity; it encourages you to remember the people who are most important to you and the value their lives hold, not only as a connection to use to forward your business, but as a human being who has a life of their own. My favorite Start with Your People quote is this: "Living your purpose starts with showing up and serving. It’s not about you. It’s about helping them."
August 31, 2019
The heart of the book can be found in this quote: "Living your purpose starts with showing up and serving. It’s not about you. It’s about helping them." In Start With Your People, Brian Dixon passionately explains the key to success is found in serving those around you well. He challenges the reader to remember the most important thing is people and offers practical, applicable, sustainable advice for becoming and remaining successful through serving. Powerful!
**I received an advance reader copy of this book. I am under no obligation to review the book. All opinions are my own.
**I received an advance reader copy of this book. I am under no obligation to review the book. All opinions are my own.
September 10, 2019
I love it when I read a friend's book as a show of support and then find that I can genuinely endorse it wholeheartedly. I began this book thinking I understood the theme and wondering how he could stretch it out into a whole book. What Brian Dixon has written is so much more than a book for entrepreneurs who want to build a following. It is for all of us who want to build a life rich with connection, friendship, and mutual support.
The reason it works as a book without bogging down is that it is laced with personal examples (and, yes, personal confessions), and implementable suggestions. At the end of each short section is "Ideas to Consider" and "Actions to Take." These are great not only for making sure you internalized the main points of that section, but they provide a terrific way to review the high points of the book after you're finished.
I was struck with the chapter on noticing those around you. So often, we have our head in the clouds or on the Internet or stressing out over our To-Do list and we fail to notice those closest to us -- in our home, in our office, in our community. Brian makes a compelling case for what happens when we start noticing and then start asking or thinking about how we can serve them. "When we really get down to it, our main legacy will be the investment we made in people." ~ Brian Dixon.
"Every day we have a choice: to have a people-first mindset or a project-first mindset." ~ Brian Dixon
Another section I found valuable spoke to the ubiquitous "imposter syndrome" that many of us fall into when we make the mistake of comparing ourselves to others and find we fall short. We paralyze ourselves with the voice that says, "Who are you to think you can speak or write or teach on this topic?" Brian's comeback to that is wonderful: "What is obvious to you is magic to other people." And it's true. Each of us has an area of expertise, however small, that can benefit someone else who's just not as far along the journey.
For readers who work in an office with a boss and possibly a team, Brian has some excellent advice on how to apply his principles in that situation, even if you're no happy in your job.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and found thought-provoking and valuable lessons and tips throughout.
The reason it works as a book without bogging down is that it is laced with personal examples (and, yes, personal confessions), and implementable suggestions. At the end of each short section is "Ideas to Consider" and "Actions to Take." These are great not only for making sure you internalized the main points of that section, but they provide a terrific way to review the high points of the book after you're finished.
I was struck with the chapter on noticing those around you. So often, we have our head in the clouds or on the Internet or stressing out over our To-Do list and we fail to notice those closest to us -- in our home, in our office, in our community. Brian makes a compelling case for what happens when we start noticing and then start asking or thinking about how we can serve them. "When we really get down to it, our main legacy will be the investment we made in people." ~ Brian Dixon.
"Every day we have a choice: to have a people-first mindset or a project-first mindset." ~ Brian Dixon
Another section I found valuable spoke to the ubiquitous "imposter syndrome" that many of us fall into when we make the mistake of comparing ourselves to others and find we fall short. We paralyze ourselves with the voice that says, "Who are you to think you can speak or write or teach on this topic?" Brian's comeback to that is wonderful: "What is obvious to you is magic to other people." And it's true. Each of us has an area of expertise, however small, that can benefit someone else who's just not as far along the journey.
For readers who work in an office with a boss and possibly a team, Brian has some excellent advice on how to apply his principles in that situation, even if you're no happy in your job.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and found thought-provoking and valuable lessons and tips throughout.
August 6, 2019
Wish I’d Read this years ago - oh but it’s only about to be published! This book is helping me so much in relational situations both in my personal life and in my spheres of work and influence. I read a pre-launch copy, straight through, to get an overview; now I’m about to re-read for in-depth help. And to read a book twice and almost immediately is something I never do. But this book is one of the most helpful ever. Who are my people? How can I help them? What difference will that make - to them and to me? Why do it? These and other powerful questions are things I’d not heeded much previously.
August 21, 2019
Brian says in his book: What's obvious to you is magic to other people. And this book is packed full of magical advice. His practical use-right-now advice for finding success by caring well for the people around you may be obvious to Brian, but I'm so glad he took the time to write it all down so we could benefit.
In fact, it took me way longer to read his book than necessary because I kept putting it down to send a text or write an email. I couldn't wait. I had to start with my people now!
In fact, it took me way longer to read his book than necessary because I kept putting it down to send a text or write an email. I couldn't wait. I had to start with my people now!
Read
January 23, 2022Page 30 We spend so much time living Our Lives get so little time designing our Legacy. When our life is over, there's very little that will live on after us. When we really get down to it, our main Legacy will be the investment we made and people.
Page 31 Crafting a legacy is the daily refining of our rough edges, a series of intentional actions taken everyday.
Page 65 People have a way of outshining our to-do lists.
Page 72 Imagine if this list of ten characteristics were true of your marriage
I share my dreams openly with my spouse.
When I’m worried about money, relationships, or the future, I tell my spouse, even when I don’t yet have a solution.
My spouse helps me sharpen my ideas and brings clarity and direction to my vision.
He or she is the first one I text when something awesome happens in my work life.
My marriage fulfills me, and I’m proud to be married to my spouse.
I don’t hide the real me from my spouse. Her or she knows who I really am.
I’m free to share industry talk with my spouse, and my spouse seems interested.
Other people with they had a marriage like ours.
I’m free to have bad ideas, and my spouse accepts me anyway.
My business and professional life are better because of my spouse’s support.
Page 85 Set the Tone for your Home
Kids pick up a lot of subtle things from you and put them in their quiver of resources: your voice, your attitude, your demeanor, your vocabulary, the way you talk about people – all of that is setting a norm for them. It's tuning their ears for what is normal, and that's something that will continue the rest of their lives. Your voice is the soundtrack that will play in their ears forever. They're learning from you. What does it mean to be a spouse? What's the right view of money? What does it look like to show up when something is hard? What does it look like to take care of responsibilities and even when it's not convenient?
Page 89 Find Time for Yourself
One of the challenges of having kids is that they need you all the time. At first, you really do want to spend all your time with them. After all, they're your kids! But eventually you realize you're going to need a break. In my roles as an employer, a mentor, and a friend, I've encountered couples who really struggle to find time for themselves. This is unhealthy for their marriage relationship. You can't be with your kids 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Here are three strategies to help you find time for yourself when you are a parent.
Establish a morning routine
Morning routine can help you set the day right. I find having an hour to myself before any of the kids wake up is enough for me to feel like I have my own life. On the days I wake up at the same time as my kids, I feel behind all day. Waking up an hour earlier requires sacrifice but it is always worth it. I've learned that if I want to feel like a person, I need to wake up at least an hour before the kids, which is tough because my five-year-old girl is currently waking up at 6:03 a.m. everyday. I need this time to think, read, write, and breathe.
Designate a Kid Free Zone
Horton to have a kid free zone in your life. Once you have kids, set boundaries to maintain your mental and physical health, so you can be present with your kids but also deliver on professional commitments. I recommend this be both a physical boundary and a Time boundary. For the most part, our kids are not allowed in my home office. I'd recommend you have a place in your house that is off-limits to kids. As someone who works from home, I've learned that it can be really tricky to find time for myself to have deeper thoughts. I need to have a barrier between my work life and my kids. We have trained the kids to know that when Daddy has the door close to his office they are not allowed to enter. It's a really simple rule and required some discipline to implement, but once the kids got it we never looked back.
Set aside a weekly date night
Can't really put this tip in the kids chapter because I believe a great marriage is the best gift you can give your kids. Taking time with a couple without the kids once a week will enable you to have an adult conversation, give you a chance to process what's going on in your life, and let you reflect and where you are as a couple. I have met couples who have gone years without having a good free date. Take some time away from your children. It's one of the best tips I can give you when it comes to being an awesome parent.
Page 122 Next year will look about the same as this one, and maybe even a little worse, if you do not take the time to plan and reflect.... We need to be intentional about where we are going, if we ever hope to arrive at a destination that is worthy of our dreams.
‘Page 136 When our dream fails to materialize, it can be tempting to minimize this and call it a side project, just something we'll get around to someday.
Page 143 Who you are now is invaluable to those who have not yet experienced what you've gone through.
Page 193 Adopting a people-first money mindset starts with acknowledging these three truths. Money is just a tool, you need money, and money influences our emotions
Page 31 Crafting a legacy is the daily refining of our rough edges, a series of intentional actions taken everyday.
Page 65 People have a way of outshining our to-do lists.
Page 72 Imagine if this list of ten characteristics were true of your marriage
I share my dreams openly with my spouse.
When I’m worried about money, relationships, or the future, I tell my spouse, even when I don’t yet have a solution.
My spouse helps me sharpen my ideas and brings clarity and direction to my vision.
He or she is the first one I text when something awesome happens in my work life.
My marriage fulfills me, and I’m proud to be married to my spouse.
I don’t hide the real me from my spouse. Her or she knows who I really am.
I’m free to share industry talk with my spouse, and my spouse seems interested.
Other people with they had a marriage like ours.
I’m free to have bad ideas, and my spouse accepts me anyway.
My business and professional life are better because of my spouse’s support.
Page 85 Set the Tone for your Home
Kids pick up a lot of subtle things from you and put them in their quiver of resources: your voice, your attitude, your demeanor, your vocabulary, the way you talk about people – all of that is setting a norm for them. It's tuning their ears for what is normal, and that's something that will continue the rest of their lives. Your voice is the soundtrack that will play in their ears forever. They're learning from you. What does it mean to be a spouse? What's the right view of money? What does it look like to show up when something is hard? What does it look like to take care of responsibilities and even when it's not convenient?
Page 89 Find Time for Yourself
One of the challenges of having kids is that they need you all the time. At first, you really do want to spend all your time with them. After all, they're your kids! But eventually you realize you're going to need a break. In my roles as an employer, a mentor, and a friend, I've encountered couples who really struggle to find time for themselves. This is unhealthy for their marriage relationship. You can't be with your kids 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Here are three strategies to help you find time for yourself when you are a parent.
Establish a morning routine
Morning routine can help you set the day right. I find having an hour to myself before any of the kids wake up is enough for me to feel like I have my own life. On the days I wake up at the same time as my kids, I feel behind all day. Waking up an hour earlier requires sacrifice but it is always worth it. I've learned that if I want to feel like a person, I need to wake up at least an hour before the kids, which is tough because my five-year-old girl is currently waking up at 6:03 a.m. everyday. I need this time to think, read, write, and breathe.
Designate a Kid Free Zone
Horton to have a kid free zone in your life. Once you have kids, set boundaries to maintain your mental and physical health, so you can be present with your kids but also deliver on professional commitments. I recommend this be both a physical boundary and a Time boundary. For the most part, our kids are not allowed in my home office. I'd recommend you have a place in your house that is off-limits to kids. As someone who works from home, I've learned that it can be really tricky to find time for myself to have deeper thoughts. I need to have a barrier between my work life and my kids. We have trained the kids to know that when Daddy has the door close to his office they are not allowed to enter. It's a really simple rule and required some discipline to implement, but once the kids got it we never looked back.
Set aside a weekly date night
Can't really put this tip in the kids chapter because I believe a great marriage is the best gift you can give your kids. Taking time with a couple without the kids once a week will enable you to have an adult conversation, give you a chance to process what's going on in your life, and let you reflect and where you are as a couple. I have met couples who have gone years without having a good free date. Take some time away from your children. It's one of the best tips I can give you when it comes to being an awesome parent.
Page 122 Next year will look about the same as this one, and maybe even a little worse, if you do not take the time to plan and reflect.... We need to be intentional about where we are going, if we ever hope to arrive at a destination that is worthy of our dreams.
‘Page 136 When our dream fails to materialize, it can be tempting to minimize this and call it a side project, just something we'll get around to someday.
Page 143 Who you are now is invaluable to those who have not yet experienced what you've gone through.
Page 193 Adopting a people-first money mindset starts with acknowledging these three truths. Money is just a tool, you need money, and money influences our emotions
September 22, 2020
http://www.notedpro.com/
One of my February books to read this year was Start With Your People by Brian Dixon. I like the focus of the book, that the people we interact with and can serve throughout our work and day are by far more important than the particular work that we are doing. Not that the work we do is insignificant, but that by focusing on and starting with a heart of service for the people, their cares, concerns, abilities, and power, we treat them the way we’d want to be treated and by so doing, bring greater power and investment, greater participation and heart and soul into the work that we do together.
He breaks the book into 3 parts:
People: Seeing those (people who are) already in our lives
Purpose: Uncovering your people-first mission
Profit: Making a living loving the work you do
In the Forward by Ruth Soukup, founder of Ruth Soukup Omnimedia Inc. and New York Times bestselling author of Do It Scared I was struck by a focus on the feelings: excited, nervous, awe, passion, mortified, angry, and feeling sorry for others. And I was also riveted by the compassion and actions that she highlighted: pouring into people, forging genuine connections, giving generously, welcoming, including, encouraging and that the entire focus is on helping us learn to play big in business and in life (work, home, friends and even difficult people) by appreciating, understanding, and caring for the people in each of those areas of life.
In Chapter 1: A Shocking Discovery and a Resolution, I focused on the idea that is can be scary to get honest, unvarnished, unfiltered feedback from the people around us. We can decide to do the hard thing with that information: face the truth. He says, “I’ve learned the hard way that things neglected over an extended time only get worse.” As a student of mediation (aka conflict or alternative dispute resolution) and negotiation, I agree with that statement, especially when it comes to people, emotions, stress, and unresolved conflict.
There are two other points from Chapter 1 that I want like to emphasize. The first is that finding our purpose is easier than we think. To quote one paragraph,
“As a business and career coach, I am often asked by clients, ‘How do I figure out my purpose?’ My answer is surprisingly blunt. ‘You already know your purpose. Just look around at the people in your life. See where they’re stuck? Help them get unstuck. Start with your people. People are your purpose.'”
The other is a high-five for formatting. As a business professional that’s ready to learn and let my learning influence my actions, I very much appreciate that he concludes each chapter with a challenge, “Put your people first. It’s the daily decision that changes everything”, Ideas to Consider and Actions to Take sections.
My follow-up thoughts, as Instructions to Self on Chapter 1:
Focus on people’s feelings. Ask questions to make sure that you understand them. Restate what you understood to make sure that you understand correctly and your people feel understood.
Improve your phone skills to help your people feel comfortable, heard, and understood. Revisit Roger Preble’s People Skills in a Box and especially the phone skills segment. Ask for tips from others that spend a lot of time on the phone. Review the tips received from leaders and subordinates (i.e. use “uh-huh”, “yeah”, and “yup” to help them know that they are heard, and you’re still on the line. Ask questions to let them know you’re interested and listening. Also, tell them that you’re taking some notes so you can make sure to handle it for them. Use “Hmm, let’s see if I understand what you mean…”, and the Feel-Felt-Found Method to reflect and validate their feelings, and offer options (not advise, unless they specifically ask for it) for moving forward.
Ask: “Do you want help with that? How could I support you? Do you have the resources that you need to solve/resolve that challenge? Who? What? How? Would you like to brainstorm resources? I have a tool for that. What do you want from me today? How can I help? or How can I pray for you?”
I’m not going to debrief every Chapter. When I read, I take notes, underline, highlight, place asterisks. I won’t share all of those with you now. But I will share a little something from each of the 7 pages that I dog-eared for review and application.
In the chapter on Friends as Brian discusses establishing a Mastermind group and how to run the first meeting of that group, he suggests a list of questions to consider for guiding the discussion. I found them insightful and look forward to hearing answers from my friends and Mastermind members along these lines:
What was the hardest lesson you learned this week?
What is one resource you were glad to discover this week?
If you could redo a decision or an action this week, what would it be?
What are you worried about for next week?
What are you most excited about?
What are you too embarrassed to tell us?
What’s the biggest success you’ve had this week?
Where is there tension in your most important relationships?
Now, I don’t mind asking those kinds of questions, but I’ll be the first to admit that I didn’t really want to feel the discomfort of having to answer them myself. But, I did it, and I’m better for taking the journey.
I have one business network that I participate in, Dan Miller’s 48 Days Eagles, and there are a couple of breakout groups within that network that I’m participating in and trying to learn what I can there, as well as how I can show up and contribute. In the closest group, we meet on a Zoom call each week and discuss wins, struggles, and ask for and provide support for the challenges and questions we are facing in our businesses and lives.
We are building relationships and learning how to trust each other and how to show up for others in their struggles.
Another aspect of the calls is to occasionally do a deep-dive or hot-seat focus on one individual, their business, challenges, struggles, and questions so that everyone can bring their experience and resources to the table. We ask questions to understand and to invite reflection. We seek to both understand and to help each other.
When it was my turn in the hot-seat, I was ready to answer these kinds of questions. By going through these specific questions in advance, it helped me prepare. It was a good exercise for me to do for my own comfort and ease in being able to ask them to others with the confidence that I know how’d I’d respond in case they turn the tables on me and say, “How about you?” to any of the questions. Fair enough, if I’m going to ask, I need to be willing to answer as well.
At the beginning and at the end of it, isn’t that what connection and friendship are all about, sharing our joys and hurts, our dreams and hopes and ambition and support for each other?
Next is what Mr. Dixon calls his favorite question: “What are you working through?” I like that one too and have had a few occasions to ask it to others that are struggling. Aren’t we all struggling with something? Whether it’s an unwanted challenge that showed up in our life or a challenge that we decided to pursue to help us learn and grow, everybody faces challenges. How do we face them? Do we run to and through them? Or try to run away?
How do you show up? No,it’s not rhetorical. I really want to know.
Then, there’s a couple of tools that Brian uses to gain insight into how he has shown up in the lives of others by asking for their anonymous, unfiltered feedback which he calls the 360 Assessment. I don’t think he invented it, because I’ve heard of it before. Maybe it wasn’t called the same thing, but I remember doing a similar thing, though not anonymously, and in some ways more frightening and vulnerable as a result of a chapter in Harvey Mackay’s book Beware the Naked Man Who Offers You His Shirt, I went directly to my wife, some family members, and my first-line supervisor. It was difficult to just take it, and not get defensive. And it changed my perspective to see how they see me.
Brian also outlines the Mirror Manifesto, a process and framework for how to identify your audience and define how you can show up to help them in the struggles that they face with the service that you can uniquely provide to help them attain the results that they yearn for (page 158-162, in case you have the book and are looking for it, or online at mirrormanifesto.com).
Later on in the book, Brian introduces us to a relationship and networking concept originating with business strategist Chet Holmes. It’s called the Dream 100 and is summarized as follows:
Identify the key influencers in your industry with whom you want to build a relationship.
Create a strategic outreach campaign that nurtures the relationship with those influencers and gets their attention over time.
Consistently communicate with them until they do business with you.
That’s a strategy that I need to do better at implementing intentionally in my networking efforts that will allow me to focus on whom I serve and how best I can be with and strengthen them.
Okay, 3 more snipets.
Become a Thought Leader (pages 204-205):
Begin answering questions
Start a blog
Start an email newsletter
Speak at industry conferences
2. In the Practice chapter (p.208) Brian gives ten exercises to help you Start With Your People. They are simple, inexpensive, and he encourages us to take a few minutes to consistently implement them.
I’ve been putting some of these practices to work in my life and seeing subtle, but steady shifts in my perspective and respect for others. You can do it too.
3. I like that he ends with his acknowledgments. There are 16 of the people that he mentions that I am familiar with and aware of their work, platforms, and material. There are 22 of them that I am not. I’ll be working to get to know them and how they have helped him and can help me to serve you better too.
Lift life, serve well, love better!
Ryan Fairbanks
NotedPro.com
©2020 by NotedPro
One of my February books to read this year was Start With Your People by Brian Dixon. I like the focus of the book, that the people we interact with and can serve throughout our work and day are by far more important than the particular work that we are doing. Not that the work we do is insignificant, but that by focusing on and starting with a heart of service for the people, their cares, concerns, abilities, and power, we treat them the way we’d want to be treated and by so doing, bring greater power and investment, greater participation and heart and soul into the work that we do together.
He breaks the book into 3 parts:
People: Seeing those (people who are) already in our lives
Purpose: Uncovering your people-first mission
Profit: Making a living loving the work you do
In the Forward by Ruth Soukup, founder of Ruth Soukup Omnimedia Inc. and New York Times bestselling author of Do It Scared I was struck by a focus on the feelings: excited, nervous, awe, passion, mortified, angry, and feeling sorry for others. And I was also riveted by the compassion and actions that she highlighted: pouring into people, forging genuine connections, giving generously, welcoming, including, encouraging and that the entire focus is on helping us learn to play big in business and in life (work, home, friends and even difficult people) by appreciating, understanding, and caring for the people in each of those areas of life.
In Chapter 1: A Shocking Discovery and a Resolution, I focused on the idea that is can be scary to get honest, unvarnished, unfiltered feedback from the people around us. We can decide to do the hard thing with that information: face the truth. He says, “I’ve learned the hard way that things neglected over an extended time only get worse.” As a student of mediation (aka conflict or alternative dispute resolution) and negotiation, I agree with that statement, especially when it comes to people, emotions, stress, and unresolved conflict.
There are two other points from Chapter 1 that I want like to emphasize. The first is that finding our purpose is easier than we think. To quote one paragraph,
“As a business and career coach, I am often asked by clients, ‘How do I figure out my purpose?’ My answer is surprisingly blunt. ‘You already know your purpose. Just look around at the people in your life. See where they’re stuck? Help them get unstuck. Start with your people. People are your purpose.'”
The other is a high-five for formatting. As a business professional that’s ready to learn and let my learning influence my actions, I very much appreciate that he concludes each chapter with a challenge, “Put your people first. It’s the daily decision that changes everything”, Ideas to Consider and Actions to Take sections.
My follow-up thoughts, as Instructions to Self on Chapter 1:
Focus on people’s feelings. Ask questions to make sure that you understand them. Restate what you understood to make sure that you understand correctly and your people feel understood.
Improve your phone skills to help your people feel comfortable, heard, and understood. Revisit Roger Preble’s People Skills in a Box and especially the phone skills segment. Ask for tips from others that spend a lot of time on the phone. Review the tips received from leaders and subordinates (i.e. use “uh-huh”, “yeah”, and “yup” to help them know that they are heard, and you’re still on the line. Ask questions to let them know you’re interested and listening. Also, tell them that you’re taking some notes so you can make sure to handle it for them. Use “Hmm, let’s see if I understand what you mean…”, and the Feel-Felt-Found Method to reflect and validate their feelings, and offer options (not advise, unless they specifically ask for it) for moving forward.
Ask: “Do you want help with that? How could I support you? Do you have the resources that you need to solve/resolve that challenge? Who? What? How? Would you like to brainstorm resources? I have a tool for that. What do you want from me today? How can I help? or How can I pray for you?”
I’m not going to debrief every Chapter. When I read, I take notes, underline, highlight, place asterisks. I won’t share all of those with you now. But I will share a little something from each of the 7 pages that I dog-eared for review and application.
In the chapter on Friends as Brian discusses establishing a Mastermind group and how to run the first meeting of that group, he suggests a list of questions to consider for guiding the discussion. I found them insightful and look forward to hearing answers from my friends and Mastermind members along these lines:
What was the hardest lesson you learned this week?
What is one resource you were glad to discover this week?
If you could redo a decision or an action this week, what would it be?
What are you worried about for next week?
What are you most excited about?
What are you too embarrassed to tell us?
What’s the biggest success you’ve had this week?
Where is there tension in your most important relationships?
Now, I don’t mind asking those kinds of questions, but I’ll be the first to admit that I didn’t really want to feel the discomfort of having to answer them myself. But, I did it, and I’m better for taking the journey.
I have one business network that I participate in, Dan Miller’s 48 Days Eagles, and there are a couple of breakout groups within that network that I’m participating in and trying to learn what I can there, as well as how I can show up and contribute. In the closest group, we meet on a Zoom call each week and discuss wins, struggles, and ask for and provide support for the challenges and questions we are facing in our businesses and lives.
We are building relationships and learning how to trust each other and how to show up for others in their struggles.
Another aspect of the calls is to occasionally do a deep-dive or hot-seat focus on one individual, their business, challenges, struggles, and questions so that everyone can bring their experience and resources to the table. We ask questions to understand and to invite reflection. We seek to both understand and to help each other.
When it was my turn in the hot-seat, I was ready to answer these kinds of questions. By going through these specific questions in advance, it helped me prepare. It was a good exercise for me to do for my own comfort and ease in being able to ask them to others with the confidence that I know how’d I’d respond in case they turn the tables on me and say, “How about you?” to any of the questions. Fair enough, if I’m going to ask, I need to be willing to answer as well.
At the beginning and at the end of it, isn’t that what connection and friendship are all about, sharing our joys and hurts, our dreams and hopes and ambition and support for each other?
Next is what Mr. Dixon calls his favorite question: “What are you working through?” I like that one too and have had a few occasions to ask it to others that are struggling. Aren’t we all struggling with something? Whether it’s an unwanted challenge that showed up in our life or a challenge that we decided to pursue to help us learn and grow, everybody faces challenges. How do we face them? Do we run to and through them? Or try to run away?
How do you show up? No,it’s not rhetorical. I really want to know.
Then, there’s a couple of tools that Brian uses to gain insight into how he has shown up in the lives of others by asking for their anonymous, unfiltered feedback which he calls the 360 Assessment. I don’t think he invented it, because I’ve heard of it before. Maybe it wasn’t called the same thing, but I remember doing a similar thing, though not anonymously, and in some ways more frightening and vulnerable as a result of a chapter in Harvey Mackay’s book Beware the Naked Man Who Offers You His Shirt, I went directly to my wife, some family members, and my first-line supervisor. It was difficult to just take it, and not get defensive. And it changed my perspective to see how they see me.
Brian also outlines the Mirror Manifesto, a process and framework for how to identify your audience and define how you can show up to help them in the struggles that they face with the service that you can uniquely provide to help them attain the results that they yearn for (page 158-162, in case you have the book and are looking for it, or online at mirrormanifesto.com).
Later on in the book, Brian introduces us to a relationship and networking concept originating with business strategist Chet Holmes. It’s called the Dream 100 and is summarized as follows:
Identify the key influencers in your industry with whom you want to build a relationship.
Create a strategic outreach campaign that nurtures the relationship with those influencers and gets their attention over time.
Consistently communicate with them until they do business with you.
That’s a strategy that I need to do better at implementing intentionally in my networking efforts that will allow me to focus on whom I serve and how best I can be with and strengthen them.
Okay, 3 more snipets.
Become a Thought Leader (pages 204-205):
Begin answering questions
Start a blog
Start an email newsletter
Speak at industry conferences
2. In the Practice chapter (p.208) Brian gives ten exercises to help you Start With Your People. They are simple, inexpensive, and he encourages us to take a few minutes to consistently implement them.
I’ve been putting some of these practices to work in my life and seeing subtle, but steady shifts in my perspective and respect for others. You can do it too.
3. I like that he ends with his acknowledgments. There are 16 of the people that he mentions that I am familiar with and aware of their work, platforms, and material. There are 22 of them that I am not. I’ll be working to get to know them and how they have helped him and can help me to serve you better too.
Lift life, serve well, love better!
Ryan Fairbanks
NotedPro.com
©2020 by NotedPro
March 7, 2021
Audiobook read by the author. I also own a hardcover copy.
If you are looking for someone to offer you positive, optimistic motivation and encouragement with helpful next steps, Brian Dixon is your man. These qualities come through in this audiobook as well as each time I have seen him via the online Hopewriters community which he cofounded.
Brian made his book practical by incorporating thought provoking quesions and ending each chapter with "Ideas to Consider" and "Actions to Take." It is obvious that he desires to help people succeed.
Although I'm not looking to begin a business now, there was a gold nugget in here for me. It took my breath away when I heard it:
"I have realized that a dream is not about starting something new. It's about rediscovering a great passion that was abandoned in favor of other people's expectations, a longing for security, and a desire to fit in. You likely already know your life's deepest purpose, but you may not be consciously aware of it. It is hidden somewhere deep inside you, buried by layers of family expectations, unplanned circumstances, and unintended consequences. It's time to mine the soil of your personal history and discover the acres of diamonds buried there. My friend, Ben Arment explains, 'Your dream is the outcome of a life lived up until this point, not a new beginning. You don't go after your dream. Your dream comes after you.'"
- pages 152-153
Thank you, Brian!
If you are looking for someone to offer you positive, optimistic motivation and encouragement with helpful next steps, Brian Dixon is your man. These qualities come through in this audiobook as well as each time I have seen him via the online Hopewriters community which he cofounded.
Brian made his book practical by incorporating thought provoking quesions and ending each chapter with "Ideas to Consider" and "Actions to Take." It is obvious that he desires to help people succeed.
Although I'm not looking to begin a business now, there was a gold nugget in here for me. It took my breath away when I heard it:
"I have realized that a dream is not about starting something new. It's about rediscovering a great passion that was abandoned in favor of other people's expectations, a longing for security, and a desire to fit in. You likely already know your life's deepest purpose, but you may not be consciously aware of it. It is hidden somewhere deep inside you, buried by layers of family expectations, unplanned circumstances, and unintended consequences. It's time to mine the soil of your personal history and discover the acres of diamonds buried there. My friend, Ben Arment explains, 'Your dream is the outcome of a life lived up until this point, not a new beginning. You don't go after your dream. Your dream comes after you.'"
- pages 152-153
Thank you, Brian!
June 19, 2021
Sometimes business books can have a tendency to be repetitive, dull, and not really all that illuminating or practically helpful.
This is not one of those books.
I loved Dixon's thesis, his life practices, and the words of advice he has in this book. In my mind, one of the highlights is the fact that this is not just about business. It's ultimately about how we ought to be living our lives. And there's a lot of application to business. But it's also about a lot more than that, and Dixon spends time unpacking the applications of his principles to business and personal lives.
There's a lot in here that I enjoyed. A lot I'm going to have to think about. I probably need to re-read it at some point in order to fully appreciate it.
Either way, this is a great book about how to succeed at work, at home, and at life.
Rating: 4.5 Stars (Very Good).
This is not one of those books.
I loved Dixon's thesis, his life practices, and the words of advice he has in this book. In my mind, one of the highlights is the fact that this is not just about business. It's ultimately about how we ought to be living our lives. And there's a lot of application to business. But it's also about a lot more than that, and Dixon spends time unpacking the applications of his principles to business and personal lives.
There's a lot in here that I enjoyed. A lot I'm going to have to think about. I probably need to re-read it at some point in order to fully appreciate it.
Either way, this is a great book about how to succeed at work, at home, and at life.
Rating: 4.5 Stars (Very Good).
July 30, 2019
Wow! If you’re building something, creating something, starting something-you need to read this book! Brian Dixon will share insight with you on how the very people in your everyday life can be the key to success in your next venture!
September 6, 2019
Is this a business book? Yes. Is it so much more? Yes. I am a stay at home mom and a writer - not a businesswoman. However, the concepts, wisdom, and practical steps Brian lays out in this book for starting with your people can change anyone's life. It has helped me revive dreams that have laid dormant and begin to move toward them again.
Part I covers all of your relationships at work, home, and in life. With engaging stories, heart, and a call to action in each chapter, the author challenges the reader to reevaluate the way they look at and move toward the people in their lives. If this were the whole book, it would be worth it. And I love that he digs in on how to have a thriving marriage and invite your children into your dreams. Oh, and can we talk about difficult people? Yes, we can and Brian does.
However, there's more! The next section of the book covers Purpose. These three powerful chapters help the reader clarify their mission, accomplish it, and create a valuable network of people along the way. Brian's mindset toward networking was refreshing and motivating, even for me - a quiet introvert. He establishes the right way to think about our mission and purpose while offering practical steps to implement a plan to accomplish them. Yes, please!
The last section covers Profit and discusses how to think about money as you build a business or chase a dream. While this is often a topic we cringe at when it is raised (pun intended), Brian manages to talk about money in such a way that anyone stuck in the trenches will raise their head and pay attention. If you are willing to work hard and think outside the box, Brian's counsel about Profit can radically change the way you not only think about money but also how you make it.
Finally, the book closes with some fabulous bonus material that beautifully sums up the principles and leaves the reader with practical steps to move forward. Stay at home mom, business owner, entrepreneur? Yes, this book is for you.
Part I covers all of your relationships at work, home, and in life. With engaging stories, heart, and a call to action in each chapter, the author challenges the reader to reevaluate the way they look at and move toward the people in their lives. If this were the whole book, it would be worth it. And I love that he digs in on how to have a thriving marriage and invite your children into your dreams. Oh, and can we talk about difficult people? Yes, we can and Brian does.
However, there's more! The next section of the book covers Purpose. These three powerful chapters help the reader clarify their mission, accomplish it, and create a valuable network of people along the way. Brian's mindset toward networking was refreshing and motivating, even for me - a quiet introvert. He establishes the right way to think about our mission and purpose while offering practical steps to implement a plan to accomplish them. Yes, please!
The last section covers Profit and discusses how to think about money as you build a business or chase a dream. While this is often a topic we cringe at when it is raised (pun intended), Brian manages to talk about money in such a way that anyone stuck in the trenches will raise their head and pay attention. If you are willing to work hard and think outside the box, Brian's counsel about Profit can radically change the way you not only think about money but also how you make it.
Finally, the book closes with some fabulous bonus material that beautifully sums up the principles and leaves the reader with practical steps to move forward. Stay at home mom, business owner, entrepreneur? Yes, this book is for you.
September 12, 2019
In Start with Your People: The Daily Decision that Changes Everything, author Brian Dixon shares how to find enjoyment and success at both work and home. And it’s all about putting people first. People over projects.
Each chapter provides practical tips to help change your mindset and nurture better relationships.
"Ask yourself each morning and throughout the day, “What can I do to treat people like they matter?"
I’m a stay at home mom and often struggle putting my to-do list above all else. I related to the chapter about kids. Brian shared how he felt frustrated because he wasn’t getting anything done. He reminds us that our children are a blessing not a hindrance to our life. They are our legacy.
“We can hit our goals but completely miss our people.”
“Your kids are looking to you, so your work, attitude, and habits matter. They’re learning habits and behavior from you.”
“Instead of a disadvantage, your children can become your production machines. Children force you to use your time to the highest efficiency because it’s so limited. What if you look at your limited capacity of just an hour or two of free time per day, likely after the kids are in bed, and you get your best work done?”
Start With Your People by Brian Dixon, helps you find enjoyment at work and home by learning how to put people above projects. Part 2 of the book focuses on finding your purpose and your sweet spot in helping others. This quote made me really think about what I can do to help others:
“What’s obvious to you is magic to other people.”
Brian believes in including a team of people in his projects. He says, “People support what they help create.”
Fun Fact: I voted for this book cover in a poll Brian gave in a FB group. I was so excited when the book arrived because I felt like I was included in the process.
I thought this book was easy to read. I loved the personal stories he shared. All the practical insights and tips are great!
Each chapter provides practical tips to help change your mindset and nurture better relationships.
"Ask yourself each morning and throughout the day, “What can I do to treat people like they matter?"
I’m a stay at home mom and often struggle putting my to-do list above all else. I related to the chapter about kids. Brian shared how he felt frustrated because he wasn’t getting anything done. He reminds us that our children are a blessing not a hindrance to our life. They are our legacy.
“We can hit our goals but completely miss our people.”
“Your kids are looking to you, so your work, attitude, and habits matter. They’re learning habits and behavior from you.”
“Instead of a disadvantage, your children can become your production machines. Children force you to use your time to the highest efficiency because it’s so limited. What if you look at your limited capacity of just an hour or two of free time per day, likely after the kids are in bed, and you get your best work done?”
Start With Your People by Brian Dixon, helps you find enjoyment at work and home by learning how to put people above projects. Part 2 of the book focuses on finding your purpose and your sweet spot in helping others. This quote made me really think about what I can do to help others:
“What’s obvious to you is magic to other people.”
Brian believes in including a team of people in his projects. He says, “People support what they help create.”
Fun Fact: I voted for this book cover in a poll Brian gave in a FB group. I was so excited when the book arrived because I felt like I was included in the process.
I thought this book was easy to read. I loved the personal stories he shared. All the practical insights and tips are great!
January 11, 2020
This book had a great premise, but it's heavily geared toward married individuals with families, looking to start their own company.
There are still good nuggets of advice for working professionals, but most of the advice is for those starting something (new career, new company) and not an established employee.
There are still good nuggets of advice for working professionals, but most of the advice is for those starting something (new career, new company) and not an established employee.
September 8, 2019
Validating, Igniting—Practical!
Like the composer author Brian Dixon described as a guy who'd done everything you're supposed to do to get noticed so you'd get opportunities you prepared for and couldn't be truly alive without, I've worked all the traditional options correctly and compulsively, with close to no return. I've even done it knowing my own light shines brightest when I help other people discover and develop their gifts, therefore trusting God would respond to my awareness and to the world's needs.
But first, about Start with Your People book. Did you know your people include "everyone you interact with, not just your family, friends, and coworkers"? That's every single person. Good beginning. However, you still need your own tribe, which often means "asking for help. No one succeeds on their own. Everyone has a team. ... When you're inside the bottle, it's impossible to read the label. That's why we need other people. ... Allow these people to speak into your life and be honest with you." (page 129, launch team pdf book version)
Again, that validated what I've known almost forever, but that's where the book title and concept becomes powerful. You start with the people by serving them, by placing them first, as Jesus would.
When my social and professional networks both crashed, I knew I needed to rebuild, but that's the subject of several earlier blogs and not a topic for today. Brian includes a dozen examples of people who've reclaimed their dreams after failure or brought their dreams to life for the first time ever. If they could do it, so can you. Me, too!
Although Brian clearly is a highly committed Christian – follower of The Way of Jesus, as the early church would say – and Start with Your People is firmly grounded in service, you would not need to be Christian, religious, or even acknowledge some kind of spirit of life in order to benefit and change from reading the book, from asking, "What are you working through?" and – if that's how you roll – doing the exercises at the end of the book.
Brian J Dixon's Start with Your People offers a practical, life-giving way to make your own particular gifts, passions, and skills matter to the world as you engage in community building that validates everyone's worth. Like very very many people these days, I found myself suddenly in the gig economy (sometimes ironically called the precariat), trying to find a way in a world where internet expansion and a major financial recession had moved a ton of work to third world countries where the cost of living is minuscule compared to North America and Western Europe. Still, Brian's ideas give me hope for a future when again I'll wake up excited about my work for that day. BTW, distinct and discrete projects never have stopped exciting me; I'm waiting for that next level that will happen because Brian Dixon's experience and insight has lit a new fire for me!
Notice of Material Connection: As a member of the launch team, I received a free pre-publication copy with no requirement or expectation I'd write a positive review. As always, the opinions expressed are mine alone.
Like the composer author Brian Dixon described as a guy who'd done everything you're supposed to do to get noticed so you'd get opportunities you prepared for and couldn't be truly alive without, I've worked all the traditional options correctly and compulsively, with close to no return. I've even done it knowing my own light shines brightest when I help other people discover and develop their gifts, therefore trusting God would respond to my awareness and to the world's needs.
But first, about Start with Your People book. Did you know your people include "everyone you interact with, not just your family, friends, and coworkers"? That's every single person. Good beginning. However, you still need your own tribe, which often means "asking for help. No one succeeds on their own. Everyone has a team. ... When you're inside the bottle, it's impossible to read the label. That's why we need other people. ... Allow these people to speak into your life and be honest with you." (page 129, launch team pdf book version)
Again, that validated what I've known almost forever, but that's where the book title and concept becomes powerful. You start with the people by serving them, by placing them first, as Jesus would.
When my social and professional networks both crashed, I knew I needed to rebuild, but that's the subject of several earlier blogs and not a topic for today. Brian includes a dozen examples of people who've reclaimed their dreams after failure or brought their dreams to life for the first time ever. If they could do it, so can you. Me, too!
Although Brian clearly is a highly committed Christian – follower of The Way of Jesus, as the early church would say – and Start with Your People is firmly grounded in service, you would not need to be Christian, religious, or even acknowledge some kind of spirit of life in order to benefit and change from reading the book, from asking, "What are you working through?" and – if that's how you roll – doing the exercises at the end of the book.
Brian J Dixon's Start with Your People offers a practical, life-giving way to make your own particular gifts, passions, and skills matter to the world as you engage in community building that validates everyone's worth. Like very very many people these days, I found myself suddenly in the gig economy (sometimes ironically called the precariat), trying to find a way in a world where internet expansion and a major financial recession had moved a ton of work to third world countries where the cost of living is minuscule compared to North America and Western Europe. Still, Brian's ideas give me hope for a future when again I'll wake up excited about my work for that day. BTW, distinct and discrete projects never have stopped exciting me; I'm waiting for that next level that will happen because Brian Dixon's experience and insight has lit a new fire for me!
Notice of Material Connection: As a member of the launch team, I received a free pre-publication copy with no requirement or expectation I'd write a positive review. As always, the opinions expressed are mine alone.
September 16, 2019
"Starting with your people means intentionally seeing and serving those already in your life. It means reorienting your life so that instead of starting with your concerns, you become a student of theirs."
Start with Your People, The Power of a Simple Daily Decision
I wasn’t quite sure how this book would fit with my life because I am hardly a business leader or budding entrepreneur. However, after reading statements like the one above, I quickly realized that Brian’s advice was meant for everyone. While he definitely addresses the need to take care of clients and co-workers, he spends a full chapter on the role our spouse plays in our decision making and another full chapter on prioritizing our children. These are not things often found in “business” books, as it is categorized on its dust-jacket.
I was on vacation with my family when the book released last week (focusing on my people), so I have seen various reviews that have already been posted. One detractor complained that the information contains nothing new. I find that an unfortunate description. In all the reading I do I rarely come across anything truly “new,” instead I am constantly reminded of what is important, of thing that I need to implement in my life. As Brian mentions in the book, “Take action on what you are learning. Unapplied knowledge has no value.”
I originally read an early release PDF copy of the book and extensively marked it up, but I can’t wait to dig into the hardback.
Start with Your People, The Power of a Simple Daily Decision
I wasn’t quite sure how this book would fit with my life because I am hardly a business leader or budding entrepreneur. However, after reading statements like the one above, I quickly realized that Brian’s advice was meant for everyone. While he definitely addresses the need to take care of clients and co-workers, he spends a full chapter on the role our spouse plays in our decision making and another full chapter on prioritizing our children. These are not things often found in “business” books, as it is categorized on its dust-jacket.
I was on vacation with my family when the book released last week (focusing on my people), so I have seen various reviews that have already been posted. One detractor complained that the information contains nothing new. I find that an unfortunate description. In all the reading I do I rarely come across anything truly “new,” instead I am constantly reminded of what is important, of thing that I need to implement in my life. As Brian mentions in the book, “Take action on what you are learning. Unapplied knowledge has no value.”
I originally read an early release PDF copy of the book and extensively marked it up, but I can’t wait to dig into the hardback.
September 11, 2019
Brian Dixon's goal is to get you to the same place as a lot of other business books: make a lasting impact, run a profitable business, make money doing what you are passionate about - but the difference between Brian's book and all the rest is that he focuses on putting the people in your life first. This can look like your family, your clients, your friends, even your boss. Brian doesn't just write about people in your life who are easy to get along with, he devotes a whole chapter on difficult people and how to handle a multitude of situations involving them. Then, once you have your people sorted out, Brian goes on to share how using those connections can be a game-changer in discovering your purpose and pursuing your passions.
Brian writes from a place of wanting to help others on their journey to be their best selves, with a heart for moving his reader forward from the place where they feel most stuck, to a place of actionable steps. His passion for helping others radiates out from the pages of this book, and it is one I'll regularly turn back to when I feel stuck in my relationships with other people.
Brian writes from a place of wanting to help others on their journey to be their best selves, with a heart for moving his reader forward from the place where they feel most stuck, to a place of actionable steps. His passion for helping others radiates out from the pages of this book, and it is one I'll regularly turn back to when I feel stuck in my relationships with other people.
September 11, 2019
It is not just a title; its also the way, author and my writing community mentor, Brian Dixon lives his day.
This book that will help anyone in any business elevate their business by starting with their people. It offers a business approach with a focus on the people who surround you. Brian is a grounded and humble. He is a confident business, and career coach, conference speaker, and someone who wants to help others become leaders. This book provides ideas to consider and actions to take in moving your business or project forward as you focus more on the people rather than the project.
I am honored to be part of a writing community Brian serves and leads. I see first hand the way he starts with his people. He serves this community with generosity, care, and a tough-love we often need to hear.
Buy this book and put into action the practical skills offered by Brian. You will be happy that you and find yourself most definitely become more focused on your people.
This book that will help anyone in any business elevate their business by starting with their people. It offers a business approach with a focus on the people who surround you. Brian is a grounded and humble. He is a confident business, and career coach, conference speaker, and someone who wants to help others become leaders. This book provides ideas to consider and actions to take in moving your business or project forward as you focus more on the people rather than the project.
I am honored to be part of a writing community Brian serves and leads. I see first hand the way he starts with his people. He serves this community with generosity, care, and a tough-love we often need to hear.
Buy this book and put into action the practical skills offered by Brian. You will be happy that you and find yourself most definitely become more focused on your people.
September 24, 2020
This book is a humble reminder that we tend to focus on ourselves and our own needs and wants instead of those around us. In learning to turn your focus outward, toward others, Dixon espouses that you end up with a more fulfilling life of serving others instead of yourself.
In the first section he talks about how to develop an other-centered focus with all the most important groups of people in your life. From work life to home life, he covers the variety of ways you can improve your interactions to create more meaningful and positive relationships.
In the second section he leads you through creating a people- first mission; coming up with a clear purpose for your life.
And in the final section he brings it together by explaining how living a people- first life can result in the greatest profit possible. He uses excellent examples and offers real life exercises that are simple to implement. You can walk away and do nothing, or you can accept his challenge to change your life by embracing the ideas he shares and implementing changes in your life in simple steps taken daily.
In the first section he talks about how to develop an other-centered focus with all the most important groups of people in your life. From work life to home life, he covers the variety of ways you can improve your interactions to create more meaningful and positive relationships.
In the second section he leads you through creating a people- first mission; coming up with a clear purpose for your life.
And in the final section he brings it together by explaining how living a people- first life can result in the greatest profit possible. He uses excellent examples and offers real life exercises that are simple to implement. You can walk away and do nothing, or you can accept his challenge to change your life by embracing the ideas he shares and implementing changes in your life in simple steps taken daily.
February 27, 2020
I rarely give a book five stars as I’ve yet to determine what makes it worthy of a full five.
(Probably because I feel as though there’s always room for improvement be it movie, novel or what have you).
I was gifted this and sat in on the shelf for months.
I didn’t want to read another how I found success book in the place I found myself. That was a reflection of my mindset not an indictment on the book.
I’ve since had what I would describe as putting my big girl pants on moments in the reading of this incredibly motivating book.
Brian is honest with his struggles and therefore has much insight in the ideas to consider and actions portions of each chapter.
I appreciate his very practical ideas as to how to move forward and how to approach potential clients without appearing offensive or cloying.
As a struggling entrepreneur it’s been one of the most helpful books I’ve read on moving on and up in a pursuit of building a career beyond a dream.
(Probably because I feel as though there’s always room for improvement be it movie, novel or what have you).
I was gifted this and sat in on the shelf for months.
I didn’t want to read another how I found success book in the place I found myself. That was a reflection of my mindset not an indictment on the book.
I’ve since had what I would describe as putting my big girl pants on moments in the reading of this incredibly motivating book.
Brian is honest with his struggles and therefore has much insight in the ideas to consider and actions portions of each chapter.
I appreciate his very practical ideas as to how to move forward and how to approach potential clients without appearing offensive or cloying.
As a struggling entrepreneur it’s been one of the most helpful books I’ve read on moving on and up in a pursuit of building a career beyond a dream.
November 11, 2019
Brian Dixon's book 'Start With Your People' helps readers to so just that. Using personal anecdotes and strategies, Brian engineers applicable ways to help build your relationships instead of tearing them down, while also trying to build yourself professionally.
Using tips and resources that promote self-reflection rather than self-promotion, Brian can help you win over people - friends, family, coworkers, even clients you have not yet met - so that you have the best capabilities to achieve your dream and grow as a professional, as well as a person.
I highly recommend others to pick up, read, and implement these strategies from this book - even if they don't have a business. They can still help build stronger relationships in their own lives that can make their careers blossom and thrive, instead of staying stagnant.
Using tips and resources that promote self-reflection rather than self-promotion, Brian can help you win over people - friends, family, coworkers, even clients you have not yet met - so that you have the best capabilities to achieve your dream and grow as a professional, as well as a person.
I highly recommend others to pick up, read, and implement these strategies from this book - even if they don't have a business. They can still help build stronger relationships in their own lives that can make their careers blossom and thrive, instead of staying stagnant.
October 30, 2021
I started reading this book with another entrepreneur. I can honestly say before reading this book, I didn't have a clear strategy on how to implement the lessons. This book helped to develop a strategic approach to helping the clients I'm called to serve. Within the first chapter, I was already highlighting and underlining. I meet plenty of people who are concerned about not living their life purpose. Dixon simplistically addresses that concern. I'm used to starting with my passion, my why, my talents and my experience. Dixon says strap all that. Start with the people you will impact. Practical but genius.
September 10, 2019
I received and early copy of this book in exchange for a review.
Brian’s book so refreshing in the success genre, one that is oftentimes full of self glorifying fame, and how to be like me. Brian really brings the focus the the small community, people invested in other people. This attitude helps in come across in a supportive voice and feels generous with the advice and suggestions.
I would recommend this book no matter if you are entrepreneurs or just want to have better relationships and success in your current career.
Brian’s book so refreshing in the success genre, one that is oftentimes full of self glorifying fame, and how to be like me. Brian really brings the focus the the small community, people invested in other people. This attitude helps in come across in a supportive voice and feels generous with the advice and suggestions.
I would recommend this book no matter if you are entrepreneurs or just want to have better relationships and success in your current career.
January 11, 2023
This book is jam-packed full of hard-won insights, honest stories, and actionable advice for our most important relationships and the work we do. Brian covers everything: how to love your spouse well, how to define your ideal client, how to describe the work you do, how to grow your network. There are questions, templates, exercises. Somehow he manages to cover a ton of topics related to being an entrepreneur, while also sharing profound thoughts on things like our money mindset. If you're an entrepreneur, this book will help you be a well-rounded business owner. Thanks, Brian
September 17, 2019
Great book for leaders, dreamers, entrepreneurs...even parents. Author knows his stuff because he’s made the mistakes and learned from them. I love this phrase “maximizing the most important resource in business and in life: relationships.” For a task-oriented person like myself, this book is pure gold in helping me make the changes necessary to escalate my career in the direction I want it to.
October 9, 2019
I read a lot of books. But, I do not write a lot of reviews. However I must write this one.
This book is wonderful. It is down to earth and yet challenging. It is filled with practical advice that can be implemented right away. The author is writing from experience and not just theory. He never gets “preachy.” It is not just for managers or leaders. We all have people in our lives; therefore, we can all benefit from this book.
I am going to buy this book for several people I know.
This book is wonderful. It is down to earth and yet challenging. It is filled with practical advice that can be implemented right away. The author is writing from experience and not just theory. He never gets “preachy.” It is not just for managers or leaders. We all have people in our lives; therefore, we can all benefit from this book.
I am going to buy this book for several people I know.
May 16, 2020
Totally transformed how I look at my business and the mechanics of running a business. It's easy to say that our goal is to serve people...but do we work that way day-to-day? I especially appreciated the chapter on growing your network (authentic and people-focused ideas) and the section on finding the balance between "the have" and "the want." This is a terrific book to read with an accountability partner who "gets" you and your work!
September 7, 2019
I loved this book because of the great content, but also because I know that Brian lives out what he preaches in this book. If you're looking for inspirational content and practical tips together, this is the book for you. It was a great read that will be a huge help in my business and I will return to it again and again.
September 10, 2019
People before Projects! This is such a powerful & practical book!
Start with Your People is an AMAZING read, whether you're an entrepreneur, manager, employee, stay-at-home parent...literally ANYONE can read this book and walk away with a new mindset. This book is loaded with resources and tools to HELP you be successful in life and business by putting people first.
Start with Your People is an AMAZING read, whether you're an entrepreneur, manager, employee, stay-at-home parent...literally ANYONE can read this book and walk away with a new mindset. This book is loaded with resources and tools to HELP you be successful in life and business by putting people first.
September 10, 2019
I really appreciate Brian's posture in this book. He starts out humbly by sharing his own mistakes and downfalls and how these led him to putting his people first in business and life. I'm grateful for this approach. Each chapter has real-life stories, wisdom to help readers make decisions, and actionable next steps. As a writer and entrepreneur, this book is a welcome resource!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews